Business & Finance
Thu, December 4, 2025
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How B-Schools are Equipping Leaders to Thrive in a World of Uncertainty
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Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 5:54 GMT by Business Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
How B‑Schools are Equipping Leaders to Thrive in a World of Uncertainty – A Conversation with Francesca Cornelli, Dean of Kellogg
In a recent feature for Business Today, Dean Francesca Cornelli of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management reflects on the evolving role of business schools in a rapidly changing world. The interview—published on December 4, 2025—offers a candid look at how Kellogg is reshaping its curriculum, pedagogy, and community to build leaders who can navigate turbulence, whether it’s a pandemic, a geopolitical shift, or the next technological breakthrough.
A New Lens on “Business School”
Cornelli begins by acknowledging that “business school” has become a broader concept than the traditional focus on finance and accounting. She points out that the most valuable leaders today blend analytical rigor with design thinking, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. “We’re not just training managers; we’re training changemakers,” she says, underscoring Kellogg’s emphasis on cross‑disciplinary learning.
She notes that the school’s recent ranking—first in the U.S. for Experiential Learning (a category added by the Financial Times last year)—was a direct result of integrating immersive simulations, real‑world consulting projects, and a global cohort of students who bring diverse perspectives to every discussion.
Navigating the “New Normal”
Cornelli discusses the “new normal” that emerged in the wake of COVID‑19. Kellogg’s response was three‑fold:
Hybrid Classrooms and Digital Labs – The institution expanded its online platform, “Kellogg Online 360,” which now includes AI‑driven analytics for students to track their learning outcomes in real time. She cites the Business Today feature on “The Rise of Hybrid Learning in MBA Programs” (link: https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/hybrid-learning-2024) as a case study for how blended instruction can keep students engaged and flexible.
Resilience & Crisis Management Curriculum – A newly introduced course, “Strategic Resilience,” pairs case studies from the COVID‑19 supply‑chain disruptions with simulations that test decision‑making under pressure. Cornelli stresses that “resilience is no longer an optional skill; it’s a core competency.”
Mental‑Health Initiatives – Kellogg partnered with Northwestern’s Center for Well‑Being to offer weekly mindfulness workshops, reflecting a growing recognition that psychological stamina is as critical as financial acumen.
Data, Design, and Digital Disruption
One of Cornelli’s standout points is the centrality of data analytics and design thinking in contemporary strategy. She explains that the Kellogg Design Lab—a partnership with the MIT Sloan School of Management—allows students to prototype solutions to complex problems in fields ranging from sustainability to fintech. The lab’s AI‑powered analytics engine, InsightIQ, supports teams in testing hypotheses against real‑world data sets before pitching to industry partners.
Cornelli also highlights the importance of ethical AI. “When we discuss data, we also discuss responsibility,” she says. Kellogg’s new Center for Ethical AI offers a certification track for students and executives alike, ensuring that future leaders can deploy technology with a clear understanding of its societal impacts.
The Global Perspective
Cornelli points out that uncertainty is global, not local. Kellogg’s Global Strategy Fellows program brings high‑profile executives from diverse industries—energy, health, technology—to deliver seminars on navigating geopolitical risks. In addition, the school recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the London School of Economics to enable dual‑degree opportunities for students, allowing them to study in both Chicago and London during their second year.
She cites the Business Today piece “Globalization and the Future of B‑Schools” (link: https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/globalization-2025) to underline that cross‑border collaboration is now a staple of strategic leadership. “You need to be comfortable in multiple cultures, speak at least two languages, and understand how policies in one country can ripple across the world,” Cornelli asserts.
Talent Development & Alumni Impact
Cornelli shares impressive statistics: over 1,200 alumni in 2025 have started or joined companies that now rank in the Fortune 500. She credits this success to the school’s Leadership Accelerator, which pairs students with senior executives for mentorship, internships, and capstone projects. “Our alumni are not just successful; they are transformative—pioneering new business models, advancing sustainability goals, and fostering inclusive workplaces,” she says.
She also highlights a recent partnership with McKinsey & Company that launched the McKinsey Kellogg Innovation Lab. The lab offers students the chance to solve real‑time business challenges for Fortune 500 clients, reinforcing the relevance of academic theory to industry practice.
Challenges Ahead
While celebrating progress, Cornelli does not shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. She points to climate change, AI regulation, and income inequality as pressing issues that require a new generation of leaders who can think systems‑wide. “We’re preparing students for a world where the only constant is change,” she states, echoing sentiments from the Business Today editorial on “Business Schools and Climate Change” (link: https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/climate-change-2024).
She also mentions the need for continued investment in soft skills training. The school is piloting a program called Human‑Centered Leadership, which pairs MBA coursework with workshops in empathy, conflict resolution, and ethical decision‑making.
Looking Forward
When asked about her vision for the next five years, Cornelli emphasizes a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. “We’re building a community that celebrates failure as a learning opportunity,” she says. She also hints at a forthcoming Kellogg Innovation Hub—a dedicated space for students to collaborate with entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists on breakthrough ideas.
In closing, Cornelli urges business schools worldwide to remain adaptive. “If B‑schools want to be relevant, they must evolve faster than the industries they serve,” she concludes. She reminds readers that the future of leadership lies in blending analytical tools with human insight—a combination that Kellogg prides itself on delivering.
The interview was featured on Business Today’s “B‑Schools Prepare Leaders Who Can Navigate Uncertainties” series, and it draws on a range of internal and external resources, including Kellogg’s own research reports, partnerships with global institutions, and current trends highlighted in other Business Today stories.
Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/interview/story/b-schools-prepare-leaders-who-can-navigate-uncertainties-says-francesca-cornelli-dean-northwestern-universitys-kellogg-school-of-management-505026-2025-12-04 ]
